Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra

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The Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (PSYO) is a premier and widely recognized youth symphony orchestra based in Orange County, California, affiliated with the professional Pacific Symphony. Founded in 1993, PSYO was the first educational initiative of Pacific Symphony and is regarded as the preeminent youth orchestra in the Orange County and greater Los Angeles region, known for its high artistic standards and competitive auditions.

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PSYO is one of four ensembles within the Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles (PSYE) program and provides advanced symphonic training to highly talented student musicians in grades 9–12. The orchestra offers its members opportunities to rehearse with Pacific Symphony musicians, receive professional orchestral coaching, and perform full symphonic repertoire. PSYO presents its concert series in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. [1]

History

The Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra was established in 1993 by the leadership of Pacific Symphony as an effort to cultivate the next generation of orchestral musicians in Southern California. Initially consisting of fewer than 50 musicians, the orchestra grew steadily in size and artistic capability throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2007, the PSYE umbrella organization was formed, adding additional youth ensembles and solidifying PSYO as the flagship full symphony orchestra of the program.

Over the years, PSYO has expanded its educational initiatives, including sectional coaching, master classes, peer mentoring, leadership opportunities within the ensemble, and direct interaction with composers and conductors. The orchestra has premiered new works, engaged in community performances, and established itself as one of the most competitive youth orchestras on the West Coast.

Music directors

Auditions and membership

Membership in PSYO is determined through annual competitive auditions held in late spring and early summer. Applicants perform orchestral excerpts, solo selections, and sight-reading, and must demonstrate advanced technical and musical proficiency. The orchestra typically consists of approximately 90–100 musicians, representing diverse high schools and educational backgrounds across Southern California. Many members also participate in regional honor ensembles, All-State groups, chamber music programs, and competitive solo festivals.

Educational philosophy

PSYO emphasizes professional-level discipline and artistic growth. The educational model includes:

The orchestra fosters both musical development and interpersonal collaboration, aiming to prepare students not only as musicians but also as disciplined and creative contributors to cultural life.

Collaborations and performances

PSYO regularly collaborates with Pacific Symphony artists, guest soloists, and occasionally with other youth ensembles within PSYE. Major annual performances are held at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, with additional outreach or community performances occasionally taking place at schools, civic venues, or regional arts festivals. Selected performances have included multimedia programming and educational outreach aligned with Pacific Symphony’s artistic initiatives.

Notable Alumni

Alumni of PSYO have gone on to study at leading conservatories, universities, and music schools, including:

Many alumni continue to perform professionally in orchestras, chamber groups, and ensembles, while others pursue careers in composition, music education, and arts administration.

Summer programs and training

Members of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra frequently continue their musical development through acceptance into selective national and international summer music programs. PSYO musicians have attended and earned positions in the following highly competitive institutions and training festivals:

Participation in these programs reflects the advanced caliber of PSYO members and the orchestra’s emphasis on rigorous musical preparation and professional-level orchestral experience.

Repertoire

2019–2020 season

2018–2019 season

2017–2018 season

2016–2017 season

2015–2016 season

2014–2015 season

2013–2014 season

2008–2009 season

2007–2008 season

See also

References

  1. ↑ Pacific Symphony - Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra - 15 Year Anniversary Archived 2008-06-12 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ↑ "Jacob Sustaita". USC Thornton School of Music. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
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